Saffron Risotto, rich and creamy Italian comfort food with pillowy grains of rice is cooked in aromatic saffron, wine, and parmesan cheese.
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An epitome of Italian home cooking, I love how Risotto is cooked to perfection with the ease of Instant Pot. No more stirring, simmering, and guessing for doneness as the Instant Pot makes it almost handsfree.
What is Risotto
- Risotto is a classic Italian side-dish cooked in broth for a creamy consistency. It often reminds of the comforting khichdi in Indian Cooking. Unlike khichdi which is made with rice and lentils, Risotto is cooked with rice, onion, broth, butter and wine.
- Risotto makes a great side dish that can be easily paired with proteins such as beans, fish, chicken etc to make a complete meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Saffron Risotto
- I have used arborio rice in this recipe as it is readily available in grocery stores. But we also love carnaroli rice and vialone nano rice both of which are found in specialty grocery stores.
- Make sure to toast the rice in the oil and later saute well in the wine. This will unlock the nutty flavors and aromas.
- Use a dry wine like Pinot grigio. I have also used leftover rose and it works great. Wine stores also carry mini wine bottles by Sutter home that come in handy when you do not want to open a big bottle just for cooking.
Step by Step Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot to Saute mode and heat olive oil. Add onions. Saute for 2 minutes stirring frequently. Add rice and salt and toast for 2 minutes.
- Add saffron & wine and continue to sauté for another minute or until the wine has been absorbed.
- Stir in broth, Close the Instant Pot lid with Pressure Release to sealing. Set the Instant Pot tp Manual /Pressure Cook(High) for 6 minutes. Follow with 10 minutes Natural Pressure release.
- Open the Instant Pot. Stir in butter and parmesan cheese.
- While serving add more parmesan cheese, black pepper. Optionally garnish with thyme and crushed saffron.
Serving
- Enjoy a bowl of warm Risotto as is with freshly grated parmesan cheese and thyme or chives.
- Serve with seared fish or scallops for a complete meal.
- Serve with curried shrimp, for a fancy dinner. This is our favorite way to enjoy.
Love Italian recipes? Try some of our Instant Pot favorites:
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Recipe
The Best Instant Pot Saffron Risotto
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon EVOO
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1½ cup arborio rice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large pinch saffron
- ¼ cup dry white wine used pinot grigio
- 3 cups low sodium broth used better than bouillon vegetable base
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter optional
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese grated
To serve:
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 springs thyme
- 1 pinch Saffron
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot to Saute mode and heat olive oil. Add onions. Saute for 2 mins stirring frequently.
- Add rice and salt and toast for 2 mins. Make sure to toast the rice well to unloak the nutty flavors.
- Add saffron & wine and continue to saute for another 1 minute or until the wine has been absorbed. Stirring frequently so the rice does not stick to the pot.
- Stir in broth, Manual / Pressure Cook (High) for 6 minutes. Allow 10 minuts Natural Pressure release. Open the Instant Pot and Stir in butter and cheese.
- While serving add more parmesan cheese, black pepper and garnish with thyme + crushed saffron in the center.
Nutrition
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Heide says
I can’t wait to try this. I love risotto....any kind.
Archana says
Thank you Heide!
Michael Greene says
Have you doubled this recipe before? Is the time the same in the instant pot?
Archana says
Yes I have. Same pressure cook time
Heide says
Risotto of any kind is delicious,....and now even easier? Cool, can't wait to try it!
Archana says
Thank you!!
Tina says
Where do u bulk buy saffron
Archana says
I buy saffron at Indian grocery storea
Heide says
I planted the Blue Crocus Saffron bulb last year in hopes of harvesting my own saffron...really more out of curiosity. I even gave a bunch of bulbs to various friends as a gift. This spring I'll see if any come up!
Archana says
Wow! I hope you get a nice harvest. I have heard people planting them with great success
Natasha says
Love how easy and delicious this recipe is! Archana is also so approachable if there are any questions on quantity etc.. love her recipes!
Archana says
Thank you Natasha!
Rushina Patel says
I'm a vegetarian. What else can this risotto be served with? This looks so good!!
Archana says
Hi Rushina, I would serve it with grilled veggies or a yummy salad
Jean says
If I wanted to add a frozen veg to this, what step would you add it at?
Archana says
Along with the rice.
Morgan says
Hi! This is SO good! How would I make this extra creamy?
Archana says
You can add extra cheese in the end.
Jane says
All other IP risotto recipes I have used have recommended a quick release - why the 10-minute release here? Thanks!
Archana says
I don't like to quick release starchy dishes. Causes a big mess.